Sudan: reflections, inspirations and aspirations

Documentation in Protests…التوثيق في المظاهرات

I’m sharing a list of tips compiled by a friend, please read carefully if you’re contemplating filming or photographing a crowded sit in or protest.

1- You MUST make a decision on whether you’re a photographer/videographer or a protester. Protests need people to film and document events, so it doesn’t fade out after the event. People are needed for capturing what takes place; for documentation and for analysis of the situation during a series of events and afterwards.

You can’t take good quality videos and pictures while protesting.

2- Once you made this decision, you have to understand that your movement is NOT like that of the protesters. You are not in the middle, you’re supposed to stand at an advantaged angle and outside of the stream of protesters. You must show some features of the surrounding environment as well; mosques or squares or shops that are remarkable. It gives more credibility to your material. You need to be somewhere where you can see most of the people in the protest.

3- People with cameras are the most targeted people; don’t film in front of NISS or police because IT IS dangerous. Try to be clever about your angle and your shots. Keep an eye on the police so you can take good shots of their aggression without endangering yourself. Find roofs or alleys where you can snap safely.

4- Sad to say, but you’re highly likely to get arrested or targeted so do your best to upload or send your material as soon as you can or give it to someone who can safe-keep it for you. This ensures your work lives to be seen by the audiences. Delete evidence as soon as it’s backed up elsewhere or online- this is for your protection and to make room for new data.

5- Always try to be calm, it’s stressful and it’s you will be tempted to join the protesters and chant. Try to be as aloof as possible because your job is undermined by the movement and angles associated with protesting.

6- Try to alert people if you’re about to witness an aggression, but you should know that other people can help the victim more. Your job is to document any aggression, so it might help more if you continue what you’re doing.